Isaac Samuel
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has said the immediate past Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, ignored several invitations to appear before investigators over allegations of certificate forgery before he was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The anti-graft agency said Nnaji was arrested on Wednesday upon his arrival at the Abuja airport in execution of a bench warrant issued by the Federal High Court.
According to a statement issued by the Head of Media and Public Communications, ICPC, J. Okor Odey, the former minister was apprehended with the assistance of the Department of State Services (DSS) and subsequently handed over to the Commission for further investigation.
The Commission disclosed that it had earlier invited Nnaji through a letter dated May 15, 2026, which was served at his known addresses in Abuja and Enugu, as well as through his email address.
It, however, alleged that despite being notified through multiple channels, the former minister failed to honour the invitations for investigative interviews, prompting the Commission to seek legal action.
According to the ICPC, the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1160/2026, granted an order on June 11, 2026, authorising the Commission to arrest Nnaji to facilitate investigations into allegations bordering on the forgery of academic credentials and a false National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate.
The Commission said the investigation centres on allegations that the former minister presented a forged degree certificate purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), as well as a false NYSC discharge certificate submitted during his ministerial screening in 2023.
It added that following his arrest, Nnaji was taken into custody at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja, where investigations are continuing.
The Commission assured the public that the matter would be pursued diligently and in accordance with the law.
